Miami-based interior designer Charles Allem did an incredible job with The Mira Hotel, making it one of the most stunning hotels in Hong Kong. With its modern yet warm vibe and incredible lighting, the hotel has done its share to attract a younger, hipper crowd, but it is still predominantly patronized by working professionals.
Located on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, in the heart of one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping and commercial districts, The Mira Hotel is a short walk to the subway (MTR), bus links, as well as the Star Ferry. Adjacent to the hotel are a number of shopping malls, boutiques, bargain outlets, as well as your pick of cheap and upscale eateries.
The MiraSpa. The 1,670-square-metre space houses an indoor infinity-edge pool, jacuzzis, a bar serving smoothies and snacks, nine treatment rooms, and a flotation lounge, where after my treatment I relaxed on one of the three heated waterbeds to a calming playlist from my own iPod and mood-altering light therapy. Bliss.
All treatments are performed using products by the cult London brand Elemental Herbology and the Parisian cosmetologist Anne Semonin.
All standard double rooms are furnished in one of four different colour schemes – red, green, silver or purple. Each room is also equipped with a Nokia mobile phone, plus a complimentary local SIM card – a nice touch, I thought, as there is nothing worse than coming home from a long trip and being landed with unexpected roaming charges. Plenty of high-tech amenities were offered: a Bose iPod dock, a large flat-screen TV, a wireless PC, dependable Wi-Fi and, for those sticky Hong Kong summers, powerful air conditioning.
Whisk is the hotel’s signature European restaurant run by chef Justin Quek. Set dinner menus are available but for à la carte offerings try the baked miso marinated cod (HK$272; Dh129) or the tagliatelle with sautéed Maine lobster ($288; Dh136). For dessert, house specialties include the raspberry soufflé ($140; Dh66) and the flaky apple tart with roasted almond and caramel ice cream ($200; Dh95). Not your average thick-crusted apple pie, this is made from a thin, crispy puff pastry and is not to be missed.
On the same floor is Vibes, a garden lounge that is destined for parties. Striving to be a spot of fresh-air fun, Vibe boasts DJ booths, lotus-shaped firepods that light up at night, and flowing waterways.
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